​7 Myths About Cock Rings That Actually Aren't True

Most of the time, sex myths are just that — imaginary fables that have no basis in reality, like vaginas with teeth or that urban legend about the movie star who went to the ER with a gerbil up his butt. That's not quite the case, however, when it comes to myths about cock rings.

A constrictive removable ring that's worn around the base of the penis or scrotum, cock rings help pump blood to the penis and trap it there, thus helping the wearer maintain his erection. “For men with erectile dysfunction, cock rings trap blood inside the shaft of the penis, which helps to stay harder longer,” explains Dr. Brian Steixner, M.D., chief of urology at Atlanticare Regional Medical Center in New Jersey.

While cock rings used to be the go-to treatment for men with ED, now that Viagra and Cialis are on the market that's no longer the case. Now, most cock ring customers are perfectly healthy men who simply want to get hard and stay hard longer, says Brandon Bartling, sex educator and manager of the Pleasure Chest sex shop in New York City. Bartling puts it this way: "Even Batman has a sidekick."

Nonetheless, myths about cock rings are still widespread. When we asked our readers why they hadn’t tried cock rings yet, many said they thought they were just for “old men with issues,” or they “just don’t see the need for it.” That’s why we decided to talk to the experts and debunk 7 myths associated with cock rings. Here’s what we learned.

Myth 1: Cock rings are only for old guys with ED.

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Many men appear to believe that if they don’t have problems getting an erection, they don’t need a cock ring. “Cock rings are only for older men with erectile dysfunction. I don’t have that, so why do I need it?” Scott, 42, asked. (If you do struggle with ED, check out Men's Health's Guide to Erectile Dysfunction.)

To that point, we would respond: well, you don’t necessarily need whipped cream on your apple pie — but how much better is a slice with it on top? Even if you don’t have erectile dysfunction, cock rings can make your erection harder and last longer, which is a win-win situation for you and your partner.

Steve Callow, the founder of the sex toy company Perfect Fit, likens cock rings to a piece of athletic equipment. "I can do pull-ups without wristbands easily, but with wristbands I can do 25% more,” he said. “I like to call cock rings 'gear for the sexual athlete.’ You might not technically need a cock ring, but it can make you better in bed.” And if you'd like to try one to enhance your performance, check out the Cloud 9 Sensual Silicone C-Ring 3-Size Pack ($8) at the Men's Health store.

Myth 2: Cock rings are unnecessary and annoying.

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There’s a perception that cock rings are extraneous in bed, or that they don’t actually do much to enhance your partner’s pleasure. “They’re too distracting,” Aaron, 39, told us.

You might think that strapping on a mini vibrating toy is distracting, but hear us out for a second. Many cock rings come with a vibrator extension that can be up to three inches long. These are great for your female partners, because it means you can provide them with clitoral stimulation during intercourse.

What’s more, if you turn the vibrator extender away from her clit so it sits at the top of your scrotum, you too can benefit from the vibration. (As Missy Elliott would say, "Flip it and reverse it.") Try this couple's enhancer ring, or the Drive vibrating ring ($18) from our Men’s Health store.

Myth 3: Cock rings are just for kinky guys.

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It’s true that cock rings are popular in both the BDSM and LGBT communities, which has led to the belief that the toys are just for “kinky, fetish-y guys and gay men,” says James, 59. But Bartling says that more Average Joes are buying cock rings than ever before as well.

"We have a saying at the Pleasure Chest: It's only kinky the first time," says Bartling, who adds that there's been an uptick in cock ring sales across the board.

Callow agrees, saying the perception of cock rings is “definitely shifting.” In fact, he pointed out that he sells more cock rings to straight men than to the gay market. “I think it’s just a sign of the times — people are more open about sex and sex toys and it’s not as taboo as it used to be,” he says.

Myth 4: Cock rings will get snagged on your pubes.

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Aaron 39, says he would never try a cock ring because he’s worried “it’ll pull my pubic hair out.” Well, never fear: if you buy a ring that has a soft silicon coating (or even just purchase a metal ring) it’s unlikely that’ll happen. "We have a soft silicon spray on ours that's so smooth it doesn't grab the hair, and it's designed with a flat-edge so it doesn't roll up," says Callow.

Myth 5: Cock rings can get stuck on your penis.

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Honestly? It’s possible, but it’s unlikely. A cock ring can get stuck if you put on a smaller size when you are flaccid and it gets too tight when you are erect, which is why it’s super important to find a size that works for you. (If you'd like a variety of options, try Perfect Fit's Play Zone Kit, which offers 9 different sizes.)

It’s helpful to do a little math first, says Bartling.

"Some cock rings have a size on them, which is usually in diameter,” he suggests. “To get your diameter, you measure the circumference of the penis by wrapping a flexible tape measurer or string around the base of the penis if you want a shaft ring, or around the shaft and testicles if you want a cock and ball ring.” divide that by π (pi = 3.14159)," he says.

And don't forget: "Measure when you have an erection!" says Callow.

If that sounds like too much work, you can also try an adjustable ring. "I recommend adjustable rings for beginners or anyone who has a fear of cock rings. They come in a variety of styles, such as bolo ties-style lasso cock rings or leather with snaps," says Bartling.

There's one other way it can get stuck: If you fall asleep with it on. "I had an older man who fell asleep with one on. He woke up to find that everything around the ring swelled up and turned red and he couldn't get it off. We had to cut it off," says Dr. Steixner. Say it with us now: don't be like this guy.

Myth 6: Cock rings will injure your skin.

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Rich, 47, says he was scared to try a cock ring because he was worried his “skin will fall off.” While this is highly unlikely, it’s not impossible — in fact, it recently happened to one of Dr. Steixner's patients.

"I had a patient who used a baby's bib to tie around the base of his penis as a make-shift cock ring, was partying for days, and left it on. It was red and inflamed and much of the skin was gone because he cut off the blood supply to the skin," he says.

It should go without saying, but don't get all MacGyver with your sex toys. Makeshift cock rings are a guaranteed trip to the ER! Stick to buying legitimate cock rings at reputable sex shops.

Myth 7: Cock rings will make your penis fall off.

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Again, this is highly, highly unlikely — but technically possible. "In theory, the penis can be permanently injured if the ring is left on too long and is too tight," says Dr. Steixner.

"The pressure of the tight ring does its job in preventing the leakage of blood, but also puts a lot of pressure on the skin and other adjacent structures (skin, fat, urethra tube). This pressure can cause the cells to die and cause severe damage if left on too long."

So what’s the takeaway here? If you’re interested in experimenting with cock rings, make sure to 1) get the right fit; 2) only use it for 20-30 minutes during sex, and 3) never, ever, ever fall asleep with it on! If you follow those safety tips, then you should be golden.

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